Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of the Angkor Archaeological Park and the largest religious monument ever built. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in the first half of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the century. The temple covers an area of over 160 hectares, surrounded by a vast moat stretching 1.5 kilometers on each side. The iconic five towers represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu mythology. The main approach across the 200-meter stone causeway, flanked by naga balustrades, is one of the most dramatic entrances in all of architecture. The bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat are unparalleled in scale and artistry. The outer gallery features nearly 600 meters of continuous carved narrative depicting scenes from Hindu epics — the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, the Battle of Lanka, and the Army of Suryavarman II marching to war. Over 1,800 individual apsara (celestial dancer) figures adorn the walls, each with a unique expression and costume. Angkor Wat is uniquely oriented to the west, which is why the sunrise behind its towers has become one of the most photographed scenes in Southeast Asia. The temple's state of preservation is remarkable, owing to its continuous use as a place of worship over the centuries. UNESCO designated Angkor Wat a World Heritage Site in 1992, and it appears on Cambodia's national flag — the only building in the world to appear on a national flag.